I'm Briar, I grew up in New Zealand, and I have recently relocated with my husband to the UAE. I'm a trained lawyer, but am using my current unemployed status to explore something that has always been a passion of mine – creative writing. And I'm taking up golf!
Hi Briar, so happy to chat with you! Tell me more about yourself and what makes you tick.
I love to cook, especially for my people. It's how I show my love. Plus, the process of creating something for others to enjoy and be nourished by is meditative to me. I also adore losing myself in good stories – mostly within the pages of a book but often via a podcast or TV series. Time stops, but somehow also moves quickly when you are privy to a damn good yarn. It's such a great way to escape.
And what sparks the most joy in your life?
The people in it. Quality engagement with the ones I treasure the most will always guarantee me joy.
Productivity and a sense of having achieved something, big or small, sparks joyfulness too.
The older I get the more I realise it is the simple, uncomplicated (and more often than not, free) things that inject the most joy into life.
What are your go-to healthy habits?
1. I drink a ridiculous amount of water.
2. I always make time for exercise, whether it be a gentle PBB stretch, a toned arms quickie (you can always find a spare 5/10/15 minutes and you will always be grateful that you did!), or a swift walk around the block. Consistency is key.
3. Last but definitely not least, I make sure to connect with at least one loved one through messaging or a phone call, which has had an exponentially positive effect on my mental health and has become more and more important to make time for since moving abroad.
How long have you been doing Pilates By Bel?
I signed up in May of this year, and was completely fresh to the Pilates game. It has been such a fantastic way to generate focus, structure and routine in my days since moving to the UAE. I wish I'd started sooner.
How has Pilates impacted you?
I feel so much more safe in my body, and confident in its ability. The stability and strength that PBB has allowed me to develop within a reasonably short timeframe has been a total game-changer. Aches and pains I used to experience are (mostly) a thing of the past. I trust my body so much more now than I ever have.
Fave PBB exercises?
I'm a big believer in regularly stretching and I love all of the PBB stretch classes for their dynamic combinations and full body iron-outs.
With practice and (much!) patience, I have become very fond of the slightly burnier classes, too. It's such a boost to crank the heart rate up.
Also, anything sticky-hip-flexor-focussed will always get a yes from me!
Fave PBB classes?
I'm an avid PBB weekly plan/challenge follower and so appreciate how thoughtfully curated these are.
I often use the Under 20 mins category to add some bonus burn or toning to my days (or to make myself feel like I've done at least SOME exercise on a slightly less motivated day!).
As mentioned earlier, I love to incorporate the stretch classes into my routine as often as possible – it's another great way to supplement the plans and challenges.
Advice to anyone unsure about online Pilates?
Think about what might be holding you back from committing, and recognise that signing up to PBB makes those issues redundant.
PBB is incredibly affordable. You can take exactly what you want out of it in terms of difficulty level/time dedicated to it/progression. Motivation stays high thanks to the effective plans and challenges.
And importantly, if you're like I was i.e. you're nervous to be the only rookie at an in-person class with no idea what you're doing, this is a perfect way to learn the foundations and grow your Pilates confidence away from prying eyes, in the privacy of your own home. Not a single regret from this rookie.
To join the Pilates By Bel movement, start your free trial here. For more info about Pilates By Bel, head to pilatesbybel.com.
